Brittany Sweeney
Health and wellness reporterI’m LehighValleyNews.com’s health and wellness reporter and also host “Living in the Lehigh Valley,” PBS39's health and wellness show. I have covered health-related topics for Lehigh Valley Public Media, contributing to PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR, since 2018. Winning the 2020 Emmy Award for Video Journalist is something I am proud of accomplishing while working for Lehigh Valley Public Media. I grew up in Montgomery County and I'm passionate about telling compelling stories in my home state of Pennsylvania. I'm a graduate of Temple University (go Owls!) and spent most of my career working as an anchor and reporter for NBC affiliates in Northeast Pennsylvania and Ohio. When I'm not covering news around the Lehigh Valley, I can be found exploring the great outdoors with my family. Contact me at BrittanyS@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8170.
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A new Women and Babies Pavilion is now open at St. Luke’s Allentown campus. The expansion doubles the number of births the hospital can accommodate each year. -
Access to a warm meal can become few and far between as some people get older, but a local health system is offering low-cost options for seniors. Those looking to grab a bite are coming from across the area to take part in the program.
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A new blood donation site is now open in Bethlehem. Miller-Keystone's satellite location will give people a chance to donate once a month to contribute to critically low blood supply.
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Snacks are a staple during the Super Bowl, but they aren't always healthy. A local dietitian has some swaps that won't compromise flavor.
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A completive blood drive in underway in the Lehigh Valley. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is having a competition between the Allentown fire and police departments to see who can get the most blood donations.
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Stress levels can go up during a big game, like the Super Bowl. A Lehigh Valley cardiologist has some ways to prepare and cam down ahead of Sunday's evet.
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Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Lehigh Valley Health Network is one of the many organizations recognizing 'Go Red for Women' day to raise awareness about the topic.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network is changing its primary provider of blood from Miller-Keystone Blood Center to the American Red Cross. LVHN officials say Miller-Keystone will be a secondary provider, but blood center leaders say that hasn't been confirmed.
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The number of people developing cancer is on the rise, but the survival rate is also going up according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors believe there are two contributing factors.
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Pennsylvania's Supreme Court made a ruling pertaining to abortion rights across the state. The issue being disputed is whether government funds should be used for the procedure and if there's a constitutional right to abortions in the state.
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Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is hosting a stroke risk screening event. About every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, but the health condition is preventable.
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A Lehigh Valley based group is working to connect first responders with mental health and other resources. Those who protect and serve are often faced with traumatic situations, now there's help to process feelings formed on the job.
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The safety of a skin care procedure that draws patients’ blood and uses it in the healing process is coming into question. A Lehigh Valley nurse explains how to stay safe while receiving a vampire facial.
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Nicotine pouches seem to be growing in popularity, especially among the younger generations. A local doctor weighs in on the risks of using this type of product.
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Some of the most beloved characters from the "Star Wars" movies paid a visit to the kids at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. The fun was planned to start May the Fourth festivities early and bring a smile to the kids' faces.
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A bi-annual safety report for general hospitals ranks a portion of the Lehigh Valley as one of the best patient safety areas in the nation. The report grades the facilities on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.
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Allentown’s first ever Community Health Needs Assessment is out. Three areas have been identified as the highest priority and include loneliness and social isolation, safe, stable and affordable housing, and upward economic mobility.
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Avian influenza, called bird flu, is threatening poultry and dairy cows across the country. Now, local doctors are monitoring the situation closely because it could mutate and become more serious for humans.
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A local brain injury patient appeared at Home Care Lobby Day in the State Capitol this month to advocate for better wages for her home healthcare nurse. Wages for home health care employees are low and don't often get updates despite the cost of living going up.
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Various state agencies came together to promote drug take-back day this weekend. People can drop off unused or outdated prescription pills at designated drop-off locations.
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During Donate Life Month, organ recipients and donors share stories of how their lives changed following the organ donation process. Those waiting for an organ can wait on average five to seven years for a transplant.
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Muhlenberg College and Lehigh Valley Health Network are joining forces to provide a broader range of services to the schools attendees. Students will be able to see LVHN healthcare professionals for both primary and behavioral resources.
